Belt

ABSTRACT

In a belt with a belt strap ( 4 ) and a buckle ( 1 ) attached to an end of the belt strap ( 4 ), the belt strap ( 4 ) on one end carries a securing element ( 5 ) to which the buckle ( 1 ) is detachably connected.

The invention relates to a belt with a belt strap and a buckle attached to an end of the belt strap.

A belt is usually comprised of a strap of leather or textile braid. To one end of the strap is fastened a buckle, which interacts with the other end while enabling a longitudinal adjustment in most cases. The buckle is most often formed as a pin, coupling or clamping clasp. As a rule, the buckle is firmly connected to the belt strap and unlike the belt strap is usually made of metal. To pass metal detectors in the context of airport security control, it is therefore required to take off the belt, which is quite cumbersome. Another disadvantage for persons travelling a lot resides in the necessity of carrying along a plurality of belts so as to always have available a belt matching the garment in terms of color and/or buckle design.

The invention is, therefore, based on the object to avoid the above-described disadvantages.

To solve this object, the invention in a belt of the initially defined kind provides that the belt strap on one end carries a securing element to which the buckle is detachably connected. The detachable connection provides the option to remove the buckle from the belt strap, if required. To this end, a specially adapted securing element is provided on the end of the belt strap such that the buckle is connected to the securing element, which is formed as a separate element, rather than to the belt strap. In this respect, the securing element can be designed in such a manner as to allow the buckle to be undone with a flick of the wrist and refastened just as easily, as will be explained below.

To pass a metal detector, e.g. at an airport, it will thus be sufficient, because of its detachable attachment, to merely take off the buckle such that any cumbersome pulling of the belt out of and into the belt loops can be omitted. The belt according to the invention in this context is preferably further developed such that the securing element, which will remain on the belt strap, is completely made of a non-metallic material, in particular synthetic material or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic.

The detachable attachment of the buckle, furthermore, enables any desired combination of belt straps and buckles such that only a few components will allow for the composition of belt-strap and buckle combinations to match the clothing.

A safe connection between the securing part and the buckle will be achieved according to a preferred configuration in that the securing element comprises a connecting member which interacts, in particular by positive engagement, with a counter-member formed on the buckle.

In a preferred manner, it is further provided that the connecting member interacts with the counter-member in the manner of a latch or snap fastener. The connection between the securing part and the buckle can thus be established in a simple manner.

A latch or snap fastener is preferably produced in that the connecting member is formed by a hook engaging from behind the counter-member, which is formed as a latch nose. In this case, the counter-member is preferably formed on a part that is displaceable between a closing position and an opening position, of the securing element, said displaceable part being spring-loaded in the sense of the closing position.

In order to enable the simple opening of the fastener, it is preferably provided that the displaceable part comprises, or interacts with, an actuating portion laterally insertable into the buckle, so as to move the counter-member into the opening position.

Particularly simple handling will result, if the securing element and the buckle are connectable to each other in the sense of the longitudinal direction of the belt by joining. The securing element can, in particular, be insertable into a slot-shaped recess of the buckle.

As is known per se, the buckle preferably comprises a clamping, pin or coupling clasp.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail by way of an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing. Therein,

FIG. 1 is a front view of the belt according to the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts the buckle of the belt without clasp in connection with the securing element, viewed along arrow II of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the buckle without clasp in active connection with the securing element according to the invention, with the supporting plate removed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a belt which, according to the invention, is comprised of a schematically indicated belt strap 4 and a buckle fastened to an end of the belt strap 4. For securing the buckle 1 to the end of the belt strap 4, a securing element 5 is provided, to which the buckle 1 can be detachably connected. The connection between the belt strap 4 and the securing element 5 is designed to be permanent, i.e. cannot be undone as opposed to the connection between the buckle 1 and the belt strap 4. The buckle 1 comprises a clasp 2 and a casing 3 connected to the clasp 2. In accordance with the invention, it is provided to remove the buckle 1, for instance prior to passing a metal detector. This is effected by pressing the actuating portion 6, which causes the counter-member 10 of the buckle 1 to be pressed upwardly in the sense of arrow 7. This will enable the separation of the buckle 1 from the securing element 5 in the sense of arrow 8. After the security check, the buckle 1 can again be brought into active connection with the securing element 5. The clasp 2, which is, for instance, designed as a pin, coupling or clamping clasp, comprises a bar 14 that traverses the recess 13 of the casing 3, thus connecting the clasp 2 with the casing. In the event of a pin clasp, the latter can be articulately connected in the region of the recess 9.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the casing 3 is comprised of a lower support plate 16 and a cover plate 15. On its side facing the securing element 5, the casing 3 has a slot-shaped opening 17, into which the securing element is being inserted. The recess 13 required for connecting the clasp 2, which is not illustrated here, to the casing 3 is also shown.

FIG. 3 depicts the latch mechanism arranged in the interior of the casing. The latch mechanism comprises the counter-member 10, which is designed as a latch nose and interacts, by positive engagement, with the hook-shaped connecting member 11 provided on the securing element 5. By pressing the actuating portion 6, and hence pressing the counter-member 10 of the buckle 1 upwards in the sense of arrow 7 against the force of the compression spring 12, the connection, which is configured as a latch fastener in the present exemplary embodiment, will be undone so as to enable the separation of the buckle 1 from the securing element 5. 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A belt with a belt strap and a metallic buckle attached to an end of the belt strap, wherein the belt strap on one end carries a securing element to which the buckle is detachably connected, wherein the securing element, which is formed as a separate element, is completely made of a non-metallic material, in particular synthetic material or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and that the securing element comprises a connecting member which interacts, in particular by positive engagement, with a counter-member formed on the buckle.
 12. A belt according to claim 11, wherein the connecting member interacts with the counter-member in the manner of a latch or snap fastener.
 13. A belt according to claim 11, wherein the connecting member is formed by a hook engaging from behind the counter-member, which is formed as a latch nose.
 14. A belt according to claim 11, wherein the counter-member is formed on a part that is displaceable between a closing position and an opening position, of the securing element, said displaceable part being spring-loaded in the sense of the closing position.
 15. A belt according to claim 14, wherein the displaceable part comprises, or interacts with, an actuating portion laterally insert able into the buckle so as to move the counter-member into the opening position.
 16. A belt according to of claim 11, wherein the securing element and the buckle are connectable to each other in the sense of the longitudinal direction of the belt by joining.
 17. A belt according to claim 11, wherein the securing element (5) is insert able into a slot-shaped recess of the buckle.
 18. A belt according to claim 11, wherein the buckle (1) comprises a pin, coupling or clamping clasp. 